Image display apparatus and method, image display system, and program

ABSTRACT

An image display apparatus includes: a communication section receiving a plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of a plurality of input apparatuses; and a combination section combining a first image based on the plurality of individual remote operation signals received by the communication section and a second image supplied from other apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Priority Patent ApplicationJP 2009-091681, filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 6, 2009, theentire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and method,image display system, and program. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to an image display apparatus and method, imagedisplay system, and program which allows sharing images.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a related-artconference system. This conference system 1 includes a personal computer11, and a mouse 12 remotely operating the personal computer 11. Thepersonal computer 11 supplies an image signal of an image displayed on adisplay 11A of the personal computer 11 to a projector 13. The projector13 projects the image onto a screen 14. A plurality of participants whoare attending a conference simultaneously view the image displayed onthe screen 14.

When a presenter operates the mouse 12, a corresponding pointer 15 isdisplayed on the display of the personal computer 11. As a result, thepointer 15 is also displayed on the screen 14. The presenter is allowedto operate the mouse 12 to specify a predetermined icon, a position,etc., by the pointer 15.

However, in such a conference system, only a presenter is allowed to usethe pointer 15, and a plurality of participants are not allowed tospecify a predetermined icon, a position, etc., on the screen 14.

On the other hand, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application PublicationNo. 2008-33389 has proposed a method of using a laser pointer in placeof a mouse, and specifying a predetermined position on the screen by thelaser pointer. It becomes possible for a plurality of participants tospecify a predetermined icon and a position on a screen 14 using aplurality of laser pointers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in a conference system in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2008-33389, a screen on which a position,etc., is pointed by a laser pointer of each participant is captured by acamera. And the captured image is analyzed so that the position pointedby the laser pointer is detected.

Accordingly, in the conference system of Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2008-33389, it becomes difficult to displaythe same image as an image projected on a screen including a pointpointed by a laser pointer onto a plurality of display apparatuses, andto allow users of individual display apparatuses to share the image.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances. Itis desirable to allow participants of a conference to share images.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan image display apparatus including: a communication section receivinga plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remoteoperations of a plurality of input apparatuses; and a combinationsection combining a first image based on the plurality of individualremote operation signals received by the communication section and asecond image supplied from other apparatus into a third image, andoutputting the third image.

In the above-described embodiment, the combination section may store thefirst image into a first layer, may store the second image into a secondlayer, and may combine the first image in the first layer and the secondimage in the second layer.

In the above-described embodiment, the second image may be an imageoperated by the remote operation signal of the input apparatus having anaccess right among the plurality of input apparatuses.

In the above-described embodiment, the communication section maytransmit the remote operation signal of the input apparatus having theaccess right among the plurality of input apparatuses.

In the above-described embodiment, the second image may be an imageoperated by the remote operation signal directly received by the otherapparatus from the input apparatus having the access right.

In the above-described embodiment, the second image output by the otherapparatus may be a presentation image presented by a presenter holdingthe access right to a plurality of participants, and the third imageoutput by the combination section may be an image produced by combiningan image of a pointer of the input apparatus operated by the presenterand an image of a pointer of the input apparatus operated by theparticipants.

In the above-described embodiment, the communication section may receivethe wireless remote operation signal from the input apparatus operatedin a three-dimensional free space.

In the above-described embodiment, the input apparatus may be an inputapparatus attached to the image display apparatus.

In the above-described embodiment, the input apparatus may be an inputapparatus held by a user who operates the input apparatus.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for displaying an image of an image display apparatusincluding a communication section and a combination section, the methodincluding the steps of: the communication section receiving andidentifying a plurality of remote operation signals corresponding toremote operations of a plurality of input apparatuses; and thecombination section combining a first image based on the plurality ofindividual remote operation signals received and identified by thecommunication section and a second image supplied from other apparatusinto a third image, and outputting the third image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an image display system including: an image display apparatusreceiving a first image supplied from an image-signal out apparatus; anda plurality of input apparatuses attached to the image display apparatusand outputting a remote control signal to be transmitted to the imagedisplay apparatus on the basis of a user's operation, wherein the imagedisplay apparatus includes a communication section receiving andidentifying the plurality of remote operation signals corresponding toremote operations of the plurality of input apparatuses, and acombination section combining a second image based on the plurality ofindividual remote operation signals received and identified by thecommunication section and the first image supplied from the image-signalout apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for displaying an image of an image display systemincluding an image display apparatus receiving a first image suppliedfrom an image-signal output apparatus, and a plurality of inputapparatuses attached to the image display apparatus and outputting aremote control signal to be transmitted to the image display apparatuson the basis of a user's operation, the image display apparatusincluding a communication section and a combination section, the methodincluding the steps of: the communication section receiving andidentifying the plurality of remote operation signals corresponding toremote operations of the plurality of input apparatuses; and thecombination section combining a second image based on the plurality ofindividual remote operation signals received and identified by thecommunication section and the first image supplied from the image-signalout apparatus into a third image, and outputting the third image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an image display system including: a first image displayapparatus displaying a first image; a second image display apparatusconnected to the first image display apparatus and displaying a secondimage; a first input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remotecontrol signal to the first image display apparatus; a second inputapparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote control signal to thesecond image display apparatus; and an image output apparatus connectedto the first image display apparatus and outputting a third image to thefirst image display apparatus, wherein the first image display apparatusreceives the second remote control signal from the second image displayapparatus, the second image display apparatus receives the first remotecontrol signal from the first image display apparatus, the first imagedisplay apparatus combines a fourth image based on the first remotecontrol signal and the second remote control signal, stored in a firstworking layer, and the third image stored in a first image layer andsupplied from the image output apparatus into the first image, and thesecond image display apparatus combines a fifth image based on thesecond remote control signal and the first remote control signal, storedin a second working layer, and the third image stored in a second imagelayer and supplied from the first image display apparatus into thesecond image.

In the above-described embodiment, the first image display apparatus,the first input apparatus, and the image output apparatus may bedisposed in a first room, and the second image display apparatus and thesecond input apparatus may be disposed in a second room.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for displaying an image of an image display systemincluding a first image display apparatus displaying a first image, asecond image display apparatus connected to the first image displayapparatus and displaying a second image, a first input apparatuswirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first imagedisplay apparatus, a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting asecond remote control signal to the second image display apparatus, andan image output apparatus connected to the first image display apparatusand outputting a third image to the first image display apparatus, themethod including the steps of: the first image display apparatusreceiving the second remote control signal from the second image displayapparatus, the second image display apparatus receiving the first remotecontrol signal from the first image display apparatus,

the first image display apparatus combining a fourth image based on thefirst remote control signal and the second remote control signal, storedin a first working layer, and the third image stored in a first imagelayer and supplied from the image output apparatus into the first image,and the second image display apparatus combining a fifth image based onthe second remote control signal and the first remote control signal,stored in a second working layer, and the third image stored in a secondimage layer and supplied from the first image display apparatus into thesecond image.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an image display system including: a first image displayapparatus displaying a first image; a first input apparatus wirelesslytransmitting a first remote control signal to the first image displayapparatus; a second image display apparatus displaying a second image; asecond input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remote controlsignal to the second image display apparatus; and an image combinationapparatus connected to the first image display apparatus and the secondimage display apparatus, wherein the image combination apparatuscombines a third image based on the first remote control signal and thesecond remote control signal, stored in a first layer, and a fourthimage output from the first image display apparatus and stored in thesecond layer into a combined image, and outputs the combined image tothe first image display apparatus as the first image, and outputs thecombined image to the second image display apparatus as the secondimage.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method for displaying an image of an image display systemincluding a first image display apparatus displaying a first image; afirst input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a first remote controlsignal to the first image display apparatus; a second image displayapparatus displaying a second image; a second input apparatus wirelesslytransmitting a second remote control signal to the second image displayapparatus; and an image combination apparatus connected to the firstimage display apparatus and the second image display apparatus, themethod including the step of the image combination apparatus combining athird image based on the first remote control signal, and the secondremote control signal, stored in a first layer, and a fourth imageoutput from the first image display apparatus and stored in the secondlayer into a combined image, and outputting the combined image to thefirst image display apparatus as the first image, and outputting thecombined image to the second image display apparatus as the secondimage.

As described above, by an embodiment of the present invention, itbecomes possible to share an image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a related-artconference system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image displaysystem;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating combination of images;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image displaysystem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, descriptions will be given of modes for carrying outthe invention (in the following, referred to as embodiments). In thisregard, the descriptions will be given in the following order.

1. First embodiment (configuration of image display system)

2. First embodiment (operation of image display system)

3. Second embodiment (operation of image display system)

4. Third embodiment (configuration of image display system)

5. Third embodiment (operation of image display system)

6. Fourth embodiment (operation of image display system)

7. Fifth embodiment (configuration of image display system)

8. Fifth embodiment (operation of image display system)

9. Sixth embodiment (configuration of image display system)

10. Sixth embodiment (operation of image display system)

First Embodiment Configuration of Image Display System

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an imagedisplay system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, an image display system 51, as a conference system,includes an image display apparatus 62 and an image-signal outputapparatus 63 disposed in a conference room. The image display apparatus62 and the image-signal output apparatus 63 are connected through acable 64, such as an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), etc.,and can exchange information with each other.

Pointing devices 61, as input apparatuses attached to the image displayapparatus 62, are operated by participants (users) of a conference inany direction in a three-dimensional free space. The pointing devices 61output remote control signals based on operations wirelessly, such as byinfrared light, etc., to the image display apparatus 62. In the case ofthis embodiment, as pointing devices 61, five pointing devices 61-1 to61-5 are provided. Infrared light has directivity, and thus in the casewhere a plurality of image display apparatuses 62 are provided, it iseffective for a user to selectively give a direction to one of theapparatuses, which the user intends to use.

A remote control signal of the pointing devices 61 (for example, apointing device 61-1) of a presenter out of the five pointing devices 61is output to the image display apparatus 62, and then is supplied to theimage-signal output apparatus 63 through the cable 64. On the contrary,the image-signal output apparatus 63 including a personal computer,etc., supplies an image having been subjected to predeterminedprocessing on the basis of the remote control signal supplied throughthe cable 64 to the image display apparatus 62 through the cable 64.

The image display apparatus 62 holds a working layer 71 and an imagelayer 72 in an internal memory. Images of the pointers of individualpointing devices 61-1 to 61-5 are stored in the working layer 71. InFIG. 2, only a pointer 81-1 and a pointer 81-2 of the pointing device61-1 and the pointing device 61-2, respectively, are shown for the sakeof simplicity. An image supplied from the image-signal output apparatus63 through the cable 64 is stored in the image layer 72. The imagedisplay apparatus 62 combines the images stored in the working layer 71and the image layer 72, and projects the combined image onto a displaysection 65.

If the display section 65 is a screen on which an image opticallyprojected is displayed, the image display apparatus 62 includes aprojector. If the display section 65 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a plasma display, etc., the image displayapparatus 62 may include, for example, a personal computer. In thisregard, the image display apparatus 62 may be integrated with theimage-signal output apparatus 63.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration ofthe image display system 51. The image display apparatus 62 functionallyhas a communication section 91 and a combination section 92. Thecommunication section 91 performs communication with the pointingdevices 61. The communication section 91 supplies a remote controlsignal from one of the pointing devices (for example, the pointingdevice 61-1) having an access right among the pointing devices 61 to theimage-signal output apparatus 63. Also, the communication section 91supplies the remote control signals from all the pointing devices 61-1to 61-5 to the combination section 92 regardless of having an accessright or not.

The combination section 92 has the working layer 71 and the image layer72 in an internal memory 93. An image 111 of the pointers 81-1 to 81-5corresponding to the individual pointing devices 61-1 to 61-5 is storedin the working layer 71. FIG. 3 shows a state, in which only thepointers 81-1 and 81-2 corresponding to the pointing devices 61-1 and61-2, respectively are stored, for the sake of convenience ofexplanation. An image 112 supplied from the image-signal outputapparatus 63 is stored in the image layer 72. The combination section 92combines the image 111 stored in the working layer 71 as a first image,and the image 112 stored in the image layer 72 as a second image into animage 113 as a third image, and outputs and displays the third imageonto the display section 65.

The image-signal output apparatus 63 has an operation processing section101. The operation processing section 101 obtains a remote controlsignal of the pointing device 61-1 having an access right from thecommunication section 91 of the image display apparatus 62. This remotecontrol signal includes a signal corresponding to an operation, such asa decision key, a go-forward key, a return key, etc., for example. Theoperation processing section 101 performs processing corresponding tothe obtained remote control signal, and outputs an image based on theprocessing result to the combination section 92 of the image displayapparatus 62 as the image 112.

Operation of Image Display System

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an image display system.In the following, a description will be given of an operation of theimage display system in FIG. 3 with reference to FIG. 4. In this regard,in the following description, it is assumed that there are two pointingdevices 61, that is to say, the pointing device 61-1 has an accessright, and the pointing device 61-2 does not have an access right amongthe two devices, for the sake of convenience of explanation.

In step S1, the pointing device 61-1 transmits an access-right holdingcode. The access right is a right to access an image output by theimage-signal output apparatus 63. Only the user of the pointing devicehaving this right can access an image output by the image-signal outputapparatus 63, and, for example, can operate a predetermined icon, etc.,so as to change the image to a predetermined image. That is to say, aright to permit access to an image stored in the image layer 72 is theaccess right.

The transmission processing of the access-right holding code is executedby a user operating a predetermined button on the pointing device 61-1,or by a user using a predetermined gesture. In this regard, the pointingdevice 61-2 and the pointing device 61-1 have the same configuration,and thus it is possible to transmit an access-right holding code and tohold the access right by performing the same operation. The latestaccess-right holding code is determined to be valid, and a position ofthe access-right holder up to that time is released. That is to say, aholder of any of the pointing devices 61 can be an access-right holderas necessary.

In step S21, when the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives an access-right holding code from the pointingdevice 61-1, the communication section 91 identifies the access-rightholding code. An identification number of each pointing device 61 isalso attached to the access-right holding code. After that, thecommunication section 91 processes the remote control signal of theidentification number attached to the access-right holding code as asignal from the pointing device 61 of the access right holder.

In step S2, the pointing device 61-1 transmits a remote control signal.The remote control signal includes various kinds of signals, such as asignal indicating a pointer position, a decision operation, etc. That isto say, if the user operates the pointing device 61-1 in any directionin a three-dimensional space, the remote control signal is transmittedin order to move and display the pointer to the position correspondingto the operation. Alternatively, if a predetermined decision operationis performed, for example, if a predetermined button of the pointingdevice 61-1 is pressed, etc., the remote control signal corresponding tothat operation is transmitted. This is the same for the transmissionstep of the remote control signal described later.

In step S22, the communication section 91 receives the remote controlsignal. In step S23, the communication section 91 transfers the remotecontrol signal to the combination section 92. The transfer may beperformed by passing through the signal or by replacing the signal byanother signal as long as internal information of the signal istransmitted.

In step S31, the combination section 92 stores a pointer in the workinglayer. Specifically, the combination section 92 changes the position ofthe pointer 81-1 corresponding to the pointing device 61-1 to a positionbased on the operation. In this regard, information input byhandwriting, etc., is also stored in the working layer 71.

In step S24, the communication section 91 transmits the remote controlsignal of the pointing device having an access right to the image-signaloutput apparatus 63. In this case, the pointing device 61-1 has theaccess right, and thus the remote control signal of the pointing device61-1 received in step S22 is transmitted to the image-signal outputapparatus 63.

In step S41, the operation processing section 101 of the image-signaloutput apparatus 63 performs processing corresponding to the remotecontrol signal received from the communication section 91, that is tosay, received from the pointing device having the access right. Forexample, if one thumbnail image is selected from a plurality ofthumbnail images, an image corresponding to the selected thumbnail imageis reproduced. In step S42, the operation processing section 101transmits the image. That is to say, the image corresponding to theselected thumbnail image is transmitted. In FIG. 3, the image 112 isshown as a presentation image presented by the user of the pointingdevice 61-1 having the access right to other users (participants of theconference). In this manner, the pointing device 61-1 having the accessright can operate electronic information of the icon, etc.

In step S32, the combination section 92 of the image display apparatus62 receives the image transmitted from the image-signal output apparatus63, and stores the image into the image layer. Specifically, thereceived image 112 is stored in the image layer 72 of the memory 93.

In step S11, if a user of the pointing device 61-2 operates the pointingdevice 61-2, the pointing device 61-2 transmits the remote controlsignal corresponding to that operation.

In step S25, the communication section 91 of the image display apparatus62 receives the remote control signal from the pointing device 61-2. Instep S26, the communication section 91 transfers the received remotecontrol signal. The destination of this transfer is not the image-signaloutput apparatus 63, but the combination section 92. The communicationsection 91 transfers only the remote control signal of the pointingdevice having the access right to the image-signal output apparatus 63.The remote control signal of the pointing device not having the accessright is transferred to the combination section 92. Thereby, unnecessaryoperation hindrance by a user not having the access right is prevented.

In step S33, the combination section 92 stores the pointer into theworking layer. Specifically, the combination section 92 changes theposition of the pointer 81-2 corresponding to the pointing device 61-2to the position based on the operation. Thereby, an image including thepointer 81-1 and the pointer 81-2, as shown as the image 111 in FIG. 3,is stored in the working layer 71. In this regard, the pointer of thepointing device not having the access right is deleted if thecorresponding pointing device is not operated for a certain time periodor more set in advance. However, the pointer of the pointing devicehaving the access right is not deleted even if the correspondingpointing device is not operated for a certain time period or more set inadvance. Thereby, the display of an unnecessary number of pointers ormore is prevented, and thus the original image 112 is kept to be viewedeasily.

In step S34, the combination section 92 combines the image layer and theworking layer, and outputs the result to the display section 65.Thereby, the combined image of the image 112 and the image 111 isdisplayed on the display section 65 as shown in the image 113 in FIG. 3.

In this regard, the combination section 92 holds the working layer 71and the image layer 72 in a one-to-one relationship. Accordingly, if theimage layer 72 is changed to an image of a new page, the working layer71 is also changed. Accordingly, hand-written information, etc., writtenin accordance with each page of the image is not deleted and held evenif the page is changed. If the image of the page before the change isre-displayed, the information written in the working layer 71correspondingly to that page is re-displayed. The information in theworking layer 71 may be transferred to the image-signal output apparatus63, and may be saved in a state of being combined with the originalimage 112.

In this manner, in this embodiment, images of the two layers arecombined, and the combined image is output. Accordingly, it becomespossible to output and display the same combined image including thepointer onto a plurality of display apparatuses, allowing the users toshare the same image.

Also, in this embodiment, the pointing device 61 is not directed to ascreen, but is directed to the image display apparatus 62. The screen isdisposed at a position near a wall, etc., which is far from the user.However, the image display apparatus 62 can be disposed at a nearerposition to the user than the screen. Accordingly, even if the pointingdevice 61 is shaked because of a shake of a hand at the time of pointingoperation, etc., it becomes possible to direct the pointing device to apredetermined position correctly and swiftly compared with directlydirecting toward the screen. That is to say, it is possible to correctlyand swiftly point the pointing device at a predetermined position on theimage that a plurality of users are viewing in common, thereby improvingthe operationality.

Also, by giving an access right to one of the pointing devices 61, it ispossible for a presenter to reliably perform remote control on thepresentation image without being hindered by the other participants ofthe conference. Further, the access right can be easily transferred onlyby operating a predetermined button, or with the use of a predeterminedgesture. Accordingly, it becomes possible for each user to easily hold aposition of a presenter without exchanging the pointing devices 61. As aresult, it becomes possible to conduct an organized conferenceefficiently.

Second Embodiment Operation of Image Display System

Next, a description is given of an embodiment of the case whereindividual users possess pointing devices 61 individually. Theconfiguration is the same as that of the case shown in FIG. 3, and thusthe illustration thereof is omitted. In the following, a descriptionwill be given of the operation of the image display system withreference to FIG. 5.

The processing from step S101 to step S152 in FIG. 5 is basically thesame as the processing from step S1 to step S42 in FIG. 4. The differentpoints are as follows. That is to say, the point that processing of stepS102 is inserted between step S101 and step S103, which is correspondingto step S1 and step S2 in FIG. 4, and the point that step S111 isinserted before step S112, which is corresponding to step S11 in FIG. 4are different. Also, the point that steps S122 and S123 are insertedbetween step S121 and step S124, which are corresponding to step S21 andstep S22 in FIG. 4 is different.

In this embodiment, in step S101, the pointing device 61-1 transmits anaccess-right holding code. As described above, the transmissionprocessing of the access-right holding code is executed by a useroperating a predetermined button, determined in advance, on the pointingdevice 61, or by a user using a predetermined gesture.

In step S121, when the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the access-right holding code from the pointingdevice 61-1, the communication section 91 identifies the access rightholding code.

In step S102, the pointing device 61-1 transmits a key code. The keycode is information for customizing a color and shape of the pointer andinformation for carrying out user-specific individual settings, such ascorrection of a shake by hand, sensitivity, and so on. In this regard,in this embodiment, the key code is transmitted when a predeterminedbutton on the pointing device 61 is operated, or a predetermined gestureis made. However, the key code may be included in the remote controlsignal that is output in response to an operation of the pointing device61.

In step S122, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device61-1, and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key codeinto the internal memory.

In step S111, the pointing device 61-2 transmits the key code.

In step S123, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device61-2, and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key codeinto the internal memory.

In this manner, when the communication section 91 stores the individualsettings, the communication section 91 applies the individual settingsto the remote control signal from the pointing device 61 after that. Asa result, a shake of hand is corrected on the basis of the sensitivityof each of the pointing devices 61. Also, the pointer is displayed withthe color and shape corresponding to the pointing device 61.

Each processing of the subsequent steps S103, S112, S124 to S128, S141to S144, S151, and S152 is the same as processing of steps step S2, S11,S22 to S26, S31 to S34, S41, and S42 in FIG. 4. Accordingly, theexplanation thereof becomes repetitive, and thus is omitted.

In this manner, it becomes possible for each user to perform operationssuitable for his/her pointing device 61 in this embodiment.

Third Embodiment Configuration of Image Display System

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to a third embodiment. The image display system 51 inFIG. 6 has basically the same configuration as that of the image displaysystem in FIG. 3. However, one of the different points is that theremote control signal of the pointing device 61-1 having an access rightis transmitted not only to the image display apparatus 62, but also tothe image-signal output apparatus 63. Also, the communication section 91does not transmit the remote control signal from the pointing device tothe operation processing section 101.

Operation of Image Display System

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image displaysystem. In the following, a description will be given of the operationof the image display system in FIG. 6 with reference to FIG. 7.

In step S201, the pointing device 61-1 transmits an access-right holdingcode.

In step S221, when the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the access-right holding code from the pointingdevice 61-1, the communication section 91 identifies the access-rightholding code. Thereby, it becomes possible to identify the pointingdevice having the access right.

In step S202, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the access-rightholding code to the image-signal output apparatus 63. This access-rightholding code is the same code transmitted to the image display apparatus62 in step S201.

In step S241, when the operation processing section 101 of theimage-signal output apparatus 63 receives the access-right holding codefrom the pointing device 61-1, the operation processing section 101identifies the access-right holding code. Thereby, it becomes possibleto identify the pointing device having the access right.

In step S203, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the remote controlsignal.

In step S242, the operation processing section 101 of the image-signaloutput apparatus 63 performs processing corresponding to the remotecontrol signal received from the pointing device 61-1 having the accessright. Whether the access right is held or not is determined on thebasis of the identification number corresponding to the access-rightholding code identified in step S241. In step S243, the operationprocessing section 101 transmits an image including a pointer. Forexample, an image selected in step S242 is transmitted. In FIG. 6, theimage is shown as the image 122. As shown in the figure, the image 122includes a pointer 81-1 of the pointing device 61-1 having the accessright.

In step S231, the combination section 92 of the image display apparatus62 receives the image including the pointer, which has been transmittedfrom the image-signal output apparatus 63, and stores the image in theimage layer. That is to say, the image 122 including the receivedpointer is stored in the image layer 72 in the memory 93.

In step S204, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the remote controlsignal based on the operation of the pointing device 61-1 to the imagedisplay apparatus 62.

In step S222, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the remote control signal from the pointing device61-1.

In this regard, although the illustration is omitted, the communicationsection 91 can transfer the remote control signal of the pointing device61-1 having an access right to the combination section 92. At this time,the combination section 92 allows the pointing device 61-1 having theaccess right to access the working layer 71. As a result, the user ofthe pointing device 61-1 having the access right is allowed to performan operation, such as deletion of an object drawn in the working layer71 by the user of the pointing device 61-2 not having the access right,etc., for example.

In step S211, when the user of the pointing device 61-2 operates thepointing device 61-2, the pointing device 61-2 transmits the remotecontrol signal corresponding to the operation.

In step S223, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the remote control signal from the pointing device61-2. In step S224, the communication section 91 transfers the receivedremote control signal to the combination section 92.

In step S232, the combination section 92 stores the pointer in theworking layer. Specifically, a position of the pointer 81-2corresponding to the pointing device 61-2 is changed to a position basedon the operation. Thereby, an image including the pointer 81-2, as shownin the image 121 in FIG. 6, is stored in the working layer 71.

In step S233, the combination section 92 combines the image layer andthe working layer, and outputs the result to the display section 65.Thereby, the image produced by combining the image 122 and the image 121is displayed onto the display section 65 as shown by an image 123 inFIG. 6. As described above, the 122 is the image including the image tobe processed and the pointer 81-1 of the pointing device 61-1 having theaccess right. Also, the image 121 is the image including the pointer81-2 of the pointing device 61-2 not having the access right.

In this embodiment, it also becomes possible to achieve the sameadvantages as those of the embodiment in FIG. 3.

Fourth Embodiment Operation of Image Display System

Next, a description will be given of an operation of an embodiment inthe case where individual users have individual pointing devices 61 inthe image display system 51 in FIG. 6 with reference to a flowchart inFIG. 8.

The processing from step S301 to step S374 in FIG. 8 is basically thesame as the processing from step S201 to step S243 in FIG. 7. Thedifferent points are as follows. That is to say, the point thatprocessing of steps S303 and S304 is inserted between step S302 and stepS305, which is corresponding to step S202 and step S203 in FIG. 7, andthe point that step S321 is inserted before step S322, which iscorresponding to step S211 in FIG. 7 are different. Also, the point thatsteps S342 and S343 are inserted between step S221 and step S222, whichare corresponding to step S221 and step S222 in FIG. 7 is different.Further, the point that step S372 is inserted between step S371 and stepS373, which is corresponding to step S241 and step S242 in FIG. 7 isdifferent.

In this embodiment, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the access-rightholding code in step S301.

In step S341, when the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the access-right holding code from the pointingdevice 61-1, the communication section 91 identifies the access-rightholding code.

In step S302, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the access-rightholding code to the image-signal output apparatus 63. This access-rightholding code is the same code that has been transmitted to the imagedisplay apparatus 62 in step S301.

In step S371, when the operation processing section 101 of theimage-signal output apparatus 63 receives the access-right holding codefrom the pointing device 61-1, the operation processing section 101identifies the access-right holding code.

In step S303, the pointing device 61-1 transmits a key code.

In step S342, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the key code transmitted from the pointing device61-1, and stores the individual settings corresponding to the key codein the internal memory.

In step S304, the pointing device 61-1 transmits the key code to theimage-signal output apparatus 63.

In step S372, the operation processing section 101 of the image-signaloutput apparatus 63 receives the key code that has been transmitted fromthe pointing device 61-1, and stores the individual settingscorresponding to the key code into the internal memory.

In this manner, when the operation processing section 101 stores theindividual settings, the operation processing section 101 applies theindividual settings to the remote control signal from the pointingdevice 61-1 after that. As a result, a shake of hand is corrected on thebasis of the sensitivity of each pointing device 61-1. Also, the pointer81-1 is displayed with the color and shape corresponding to the pointingdevice 61-1.

In step S321, the pointing device 61-2 transmits the key code.

In step S343, the communication section 91 of the image displayapparatus 62 receives the key code that has been transmitted from thepointing device 61-2, and stores the individual settings correspondingto the key code into the internal memory.

In this manner, when the communication section 91 stores the individualsettings, the communication section 91 applies the individual settingsto the remote control signal from the pointing device 61-2 after that.As a result, a shake of hand is corrected on the basis of thesensitivity of each of the pointing device 61-2. Also, the pointer 81-2is displayed with the color and shape corresponding to the pointingdevice 61-2.

In steps S305 and S306, step S322, steps S344 to S346, steps S361 toS363, and steps S373 and S374, the same processing as that of thecorresponding steps in FIG. 7 is performed. That is to say, the sameprocessing as that of steps S203 and S204, step S211, steps S222 toS224, steps S231 to S233, and steps S242 and S243 in FIG. 7 isperformed. Accordingly, the explanation on the processing is repetitive,and thus is omitted.

In this manner, it becomes possible for each user to perform operationssuitable for his/her pointing device 61 in addition to achieving thesame advantages as those of the embodiment in FIG. 3 in this embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment Configuration of Image Display System

FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration of an image display system accordingto another embodiment. This image display system is constituted as aconference system 201.

The conference system 201 includes apparatuses in conference rooms 211-1to 211-3. In the conference room 211-1, an image display apparatus 212-1and a personal computer 213-1 are disposed. In the conference room211-2, an image display apparatus 212-2 and a personal computer 213-2are disposed. In the conference room 211-3, an image display apparatus212-3 and a personal computer 213-3 are disposed. That is to say, inthis embodiment, an image is not displayed on a common display section.Instead, a common image is displayed on the personal computers 213-1 to213-3 in the individual conference rooms 211-1 to 211-3, respectively.

The image display apparatuses 212-1 to 212-3 have working layers 214-1to 214-3 in addition to individual image layers, respectively. The imagedisplay apparatuses 212-1 to 212-3 are mutually connected by a LAN(Local Area Network) 210 so as to be allowed to exchange informationwith one another. That is to say, in the case of this embodiment, theworking layers are shared by the LAN 210.

Further, in the case of this embodiment, pointing devices 61-1 and 61-2are disposed in the conference room 211-1. Pointing devices 61-3 and61-4 are disposed in the conference room 211-2. Pointing devices 61-5and 61-6 are disposed in the conference room 211-3. Users of theindividual conference rooms can hold a conference using the individualpointing devices 61-1 to 61-6, respectively.

Operation of Image Display System

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the conferencesystem. In the following, a description will be given of operation of aconference system 201 in FIG. 9 with reference to FIG. 10. In thisembodiment, it is assumed that a user who is using the pointing device61-1 in the conference room 211-1 explains an image as a presenter.

A user of the pointing device 61-1 in the conference room 211-1 operatesthe pointing device 61-1, and outputs a predetermined image to thepersonal computer 213-1. The personal computer 213-1 that functions asan image-signal output apparatus at this time transmits an image signalin step S301.

The image display apparatus 212-1 in the conference room 211-1 receivesthe image signal supplied from the personal computer 213-1 in step S311.In step S312, the image display apparatus 212-1 transmits the image tothe display apparatus 212-2 in the conference room 211-2 through the LAN210.

The image display apparatus 212-2 in the conference room 211-2 receivedthe image signal transmitted through the LAN 210 in step S351, andstores the image signal into the image layer.

Further, the image display apparatus 212-1 transmits the image suppliedfrom the personal computer 213-1 to the image display apparatus 212-3 inthe conference room 211-3 through the LAN 210 in step S313.

The image display apparatus 212-3 of the conference room 211-3 receivesthe image signal transmitted through the LAN 210, and stores the imagesignal into the image layer in step S381.

If the pointing devices 61-1 and 61-2 in the conference room 211-1 areoperated, the image display apparatus 212-1 stores the pointerscorresponding to the operations, respectively, into the working layer214-1. Also, if the pointing devices 61-1 and 61-2 are operated, theimage display apparatus 212-1 transmits the remote control signalscorresponding to the operations, respectively, to the image displayapparatus 212-2 in the conference room 214-2 through the LAN 210 in stepS314.

In step S352, when the image display apparatus 212-2 in the conferenceroom 211-2 receives a remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-2 stores the pointers 81-1 and 81-2corresponding to the signal into the working layer 214-2.

Further, in step S315, the image display apparatus 212-1 in theconference room 211-1 transmits the remote control signal correspondingto the operations of the pointing devices 61-1 and 61-2 to the imagedisplay apparatus 212-3 in the conference room 214-3 through the LAN210.

In step S382, when the image display apparatus 212-3 in the conferenceroom 211-3 receives the remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-3 stores the pointers 81-1 and 81-2corresponding to the signal into the working layer 214-3.

In the same manner, when the pointing devices 61-3 and 61-4 areoperated, the image display apparatus 212-2 in the conference room 211-2stores the pointers corresponding to the operation into the workinglayer 214-2. Also, in step S353, when the pointing devices 61-3 and 61-4are operated, the image display apparatus 212-2 transmits the remotecontrol signals corresponding to the operation to the image displayapparatus 212-3 in the conference room 214-3 through the LAN 210.

In step S383, when the image display apparatus 212-3 in the conferenceroom 211-3 receives a remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-3 stores the pointers 81-3 and 81-4 (referto FIG. 11 described later) corresponding to the signal into the workinglayer 214-3.

Further, in step S354, the image display apparatus 212-2 in theconference room 211-2 transmits the remote control signal correspondingto the operations of the pointing devices 61-3 and 61-4 to the imagedisplay apparatus 212-1 in the conference room 214-1 through the LAN210.

In step S316, when the image display apparatus 212-1 in the conferenceroom 211-1 receives a remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-1 stores the pointers 81-3 and 81-4corresponding to the signals into the working layer 214-1.

When the pointing devices 61-5 and 61-6 are operated, the image displayapparatus 212-3 in the conference room 211-3 stores the pointercorresponding to the operation into the working layer 214-3. Also, instep S384, when the pointing devices 61-5 and 61-6 are operated, theimage display apparatus 212-3 transmits the remote control signalcorresponding to the operation to the image display apparatus 212-2 inthe conference room 214-2 through the LAN 210.

In step S355, when the image display apparatus 212-2 of the conferenceroom 211-2 receives the remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-2 stores the pointers 81-5 and 81-6 (referto FIG. 11 described later) corresponding to the signal into the workinglayer 214-2.

Further, in step S385, the image display apparatus 212-3 in theconference room 211-3 transmits the remote control signal correspondingto the operations of the pointing devices 61-5 and 61-6 to the imagedisplay apparatus 212-1 in the conference room 214-1 through the LAN210.

In step S317, when the image display apparatus 212-1 of the conferenceroom 211-1 receives the remote control signal through the LAN 210, theimage display apparatus 212-1 stores the pointers 81-5 and 81-6corresponding to the signal into the working layer 214-1.

In this manner, the working layer 214-1 contains the own pointers 81-1and 81-2, and the pointers 81-3 to 81-6 of the working layers 214-2 and214-3. The working layer 214-2 contains the own pointers 81-3 and 81-4,and the pointers 81-1, 81-2, 81-5, and 81-6 of the working layers 214-1and 214-3. The working layer 214-3 contains the own pointers 81-5 and81-6, and the pointers 81-1 to 81-4 of the working layers 214-1 and214-2. That is to say, each working layer contains the pointers of theother working layers.

In step S318, the image display apparatus 212-1 in the conference room211-1 combines the image layer and the working layer 214-1, and outputsthe result to the personal computer 213-1. Thereby, the image producedby combining the image selected by the pointing device 61-1 and thepointers of the pointing devices 61-1 to 61-6 in the individualconference rooms is displayed onto the personal computer 213-1.

Also, in step S356, the image display apparatus 212-2 in the conferenceroom 211-2 combines the image layer and the working layer 214-2, andoutputs the result to the personal computer 213-2. Thereby, the imageproduced by combining the image selected by the pointing device 61-1,and the pointers of the pointing devices 61-1 to 61-6 in the individualconference rooms is displayed onto the personal computer 213-2.

Further, in step S386, the image display apparatus 212-3 in theconference room 211-3 combines the image layer and the working layer214-3, and outputs the result to the personal computer 213-3. Thereby,the image produced by combining the image selected by the pointingdevice 61-1 and the pointers of the pointing devices 61-1 to 61-6 in theindividual conference rooms is displayed to the personal computer 213-3.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating combination of images. As describedabove, a common image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed to the personalcomputers 213-1 to 213-3 in the individual conference rooms. That is tosay, an image is produced by combining the image of the image layer 221,the image of the working layer 214-1 including the pointers 81-1 and81-2, the image of the working layer 214-2 including the pointers 81-3and 81-4, and the working layer 214-3 including pointers 81-5 and 81-6,and the combined image is displayed.

Accordingly, the users of the individual conference rooms are allowed toview a common image, and to point a predetermined portion of the image,and the other users are allowed to learn the pointing position.

As a result, it becomes possible to carry out a smooth conference.

Sixth Embodiment Configuration of Image Display System

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image displaysystem according to still another embodiment. The image display system301 includes personal computers 311-1 to 311-5 and a server 312. Thepersonal computers 311-1 to 311-5 and the server 312 are connectedthrough a network 313, such as a LAN, the Internet, etc. In thisembodiment, images are not displayed on a common display section, butcommon images are displayed on display sections of the personalcomputers 311-1 to 311-5.

The personal computer 311-1 is operated by a pointing device 61-1. Thepersonal computer 311-2 is operated by a pointing device 61-2. Thepersonal computer 311-3 is operated by a pointing device 61-3. Thepersonal computer 311-4 is operated by a pointing device 61-4. Thepersonal computer 311-5 is operated by a pointing device 61-5.

The server 312 has a working layer 321 and an image layer 322.

Operation of Image Display System

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image displaysystem. In the following, a description is given of operation of theimage display system 301 in FIG. 12 with reference to FIG. 13. In thecase of this embodiment, it is assumed that a presenter is a user of thepersonal computer 311-1, namely a user of the pointing device 61-1.

In step S401, the personal computer 311-1 transmits the access-rightholding code to the server 312.

In step S451, when the server 312 receives an access-right holding code,the server 312 identifies the code.

That is to say, if the server 312 authenticates the access-right holdingcode, the server 312 determines that the personal computer having theidentification number attached to the code is a personal computer of thepresenter after that.

In step S402, the personal computer 311-1 transmits an image signal tothe server 312.

In step S452, when the server 312 receives the image signal, the server312 stores the image signal into the image layer 322.

In step S403, the personal computer 311-1 transmits a remote controlsignal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device 61-1 to theserver 312.

In step S453, when the server 312 receives the remote control signal,the server 312 stores a pointer 81-1 corresponding to the signal intothe working layer 321.

In step S411, the personal computer 311-2 transmits a remote controlsignal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device 61-2 to theserver 312.

In step S454, when the server 312 receives the remote control signal,the server 312 stores a pointer 81-2 corresponding to the signal intothe working layer 321.

In step S421, the personal computer 311-3 transmits a remote controlsignal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device 61-3 to theserver 312.

In step S455, when the server 312 receives the remote control signal,the server 312 stores a pointer 81-3 corresponding to the signal intothe working layer 321.

In step S431, the personal computer 311-4 transmits a remote controlsignal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device 61-4 to theserver 312.

In step S456, when the server 312 receives the remote control signal,the server 312 stores a pointer 81-4 corresponding to the signal intothe working layer 321.

In step S441, the personal computer 311-5 transmits a remote controlsignal corresponding to an operation of the pointing device 61-5 to theserver 312.

In step S457, when the server 312 receives the remote control signal,the server 312 stores a pointer 81-5 corresponding to the signal intothe working layer 321.

In step S458, the server 312 combines the images of the image layer 322and the working layer 321. In step S459, the server 312 transmits thecombination signal. That is to say, the combination signal produced bycombining the signals in step S458 is transmitted to the personalcomputers 311-1 to 311-5.

In steps S404, S412, S422, S432, and S442, the individual personalcomputers 311-1 to 311-5 receive the combination signals, and output theimages corresponding to the combination signals, respectively. Thereby,the image selected by the presenter and the pointers 81-1 to 81-5 of theindividual pointing devices 61-1 to 61-5 are combined and displayed ontothe personal computers 311-1 to 311-5.

Accordingly, the users of the individual personal computers 311-1 to311-5 are allowed to view a common image, and to point a predeterminedportion of the image, and the other users are allowed to learn thepointing positions. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out asmooth conference.

In this regard, the Windows Remote Assistance (a registered trademark ofMicrosoft Corporation) function can be applied to this embodiment. Thatis to say, an assistance source and an assistance destination share aworking layer so that it becomes possible for users of the assistancesource and the assistance destination to operate anassistance-destination personal computer, respectively at the same time.Also, if a plurality of users share a working layer, it becomes possiblefor the plurality of users to operate the same personal computer. Forexample, in place of the server 312 in FIG. 12, the personal computer311-1 is allowed to perform the function of the server, and the personalcomputer 311-1 can be operated by the other personal computers 311-2 to311-5.

In this regard, a network is said to be a mechanism in which at leasttwo apparatuses are connected, and which allows transmission ofinformation from one of the apparatuses to the other of the apparatuses.The apparatuses communicating to each other through a network may beindependent apparatuses with each other, or may be internal blocksincluded in one apparatus.

The above-described series of processing can be executed by hardware orcan be executed by software. When the series of processing is executedby software, programs of the software may be installed in a computer.Here, the computer includes a computer which is built in a dedicatedhardware, and for example, a general-purpose personal computer, etc.,capable of executing various functions by installing various programs.

In this regard, the programs executed by the computer may be programsthat are processed in time series in accordance with the describedsequence in this specification. Alternatively, the programs may be theprograms to be executed in parallel or at necessary timing, such as atthe time of being called, or the like.

Also, in this specification, a system represents an overall apparatusincluding a plurality of apparatuses.

The present application contains subject matter related to thatdisclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-091681 filedin the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 6, 2009, the entire content of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image display apparatus comprising: acommunication section configured to receive a plurality of remoteoperation signals corresponding to remote operations of a plurality ofinput apparatuses and transmit, to an image output apparatus, differentfrom the plurality of input apparatuses, at least a first remoteoperation signal of the plurality of remote operation signals; and acombination section configured to: generate a first image based at leastin part on the plurality of individual remote operation signals receivedby the communication section; store the first image in a first layer;receive a second image from the image output apparatus in response tothe transmitted first remote operation signal, the second imagecomprising a representation of a two-dimensional image; store the secondimage in a second layer; combine the first image and the second image toproduce a third image; and output the third image.
 2. The image displayapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combination section combinesthe first image in the first layer and the second image in the secondlayer.
 3. The image display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thesecond image is operated by a particular remote operation signal of aparticular input apparatus having an access right among the plurality ofinput apparatuses.
 4. The image display apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the communication section transmits the particular remoteoperation signal of the particular input apparatus having the accessright among the plurality of input apparatuses.
 5. The image displayapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second image is operated bythe particular remote operation signal directly received by the otherapparatus from the particular input apparatus having the access right.6. The image display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the secondimage output by the other apparatus is a presentation image presented toa plurality of participants by a presenter holding the access, and thethird image output by the combination section is an image produced bycombining a fourth image of a pointer of a first input apparatusoperated by the presenter and a fifth image of a pointer of a secondinput apparatus operated by the plurality of participants.
 7. The imagedisplay apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the communicationsection receives a wireless remote operation signal from a third inputapparatus operated in a three-dimensional free space.
 8. The imagedisplay apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third inputapparatus attached to the image display apparatus.
 9. The image displayapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third input apparatus isheld by a user who operates the third input apparatus.
 10. A method fordisplaying an image of an image display apparatus including acommunication section and a combination section, the method comprisingthe steps of: using the communication section, receiving and identifyinga plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remoteoperations of a plurality of input apparatuses and transmitting, to animage output apparatus, different from the plurality of inputapparatuses, at least a first remote operation signal of the pluralityof remote operation signals; and using the combination section:generating a first image based at least in part on the plurality ofindividual remote operation signals received and identified by thecommunication section; storing the first image in a first layer;receiving a second image from the image output apparatus in response tothe transmitted first remote operation signal, the second imagecomprising a representation of a two-dimensional image; storing thesecond image in a second layer; combining the first image and the secondimage to produce a third image; and outputting the third image.
 11. Anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising an executable programthat, when executed, causes a computer to perform functions comprising:using a communication means, receiving and identifying a plurality ofremote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of aplurality of input apparatuses and transmitting, to an image outputapparatus, different from the plurality of input apparatuses, at least afirst remote operation signal of the plurality of remote operationsignals, and using a combination means: generating a first image basedat least in part on the plurality of individual remote operation signalsreceived and identified by the communication means; storing the firstimage in a first layer; receiving a second image from the image outputapparatus in response to the transmitted first remote operation signal,the second image comprising a representation of a two-dimensional image;storing the second image in a second layer; combining the first imageand the second image to produce a third image; and outputting the thirdimage.
 12. An image display system comprising: an image displayapparatus configured to receive a first image supplied from animage-signal output apparatus, the first image comprising arepresentation of a two-dimensional image, and to store the first imagein a first layer; and a plurality of input apparatuses, attached to theimage display apparatus, configured to output a remote control signal tobe transmitted to the image display apparatus based at least in part ona user's operation, wherein the image display apparatus includes: acommunication section configured to receive and identify the pluralityof remote operation signals corresponding to remote operations of theplurality of input apparatuses and transmit, to an image outputapparatus, different from the plurality of input apparatuses, at least afirst remote operation signal of the plurality of remote operationsignals, and a combination section configured to: store a second imagein a second layer, the second image based at least in part on theplurality of individual remote operation signals received and identifiedby the communication section, the second image received in response tothe transmitted first remote operation signal; combine the second imageand the first image supplied from the image-signal output apparatus intoa third image; and output the third image.
 13. A method for displayingan image of an image display system including an image display apparatusreceiving a first image comprising a representation of a two-dimensionalimage, the first image supplied from an image-signal output apparatusand stored in a first layer, and a plurality of input apparatusesattached to the image display apparatus and outputting a remote controlsignal to be transmitted to the image display apparatus based at leastin part on a user's operation, the image display apparatus including acommunication section and a combination section, the method comprisingthe steps of: using the communication section, receiving and identifyingthe plurality of remote operation signals corresponding to remoteoperations of the plurality of input apparatuses and transmitting, to animage output apparatus, different from the plurality of inputapparatuses, at least a first remote operation signal of the pluralityof remote operation signals; and using the combination section: storinga second image in a second layer, the second image based at least inpart on the plurality of individual remote operation signals receivedand identified by the communication section, the second image receivedin response to the transmitted first remote operation signal; combinethe second image and the first image supplied from the image-signaloutput apparatus into a third image; and output the third image.
 14. Animage display system comprising: a first image display apparatusconfigured to display a first image; a second image display apparatus,connected to the first image display apparatus, configured to display asecond image; a first input apparatus configured to wirelessly transmita first remote control signal to the first image display apparatus; asecond input apparatus configured to wirelessly transmit a second remotecontrol signal to the second image display apparatus; and an imageoutput apparatus, connected to the first image display apparatus,configured to output a third image to the first image display apparatusin response to transmission of the first remote control signal to thefirst image display apparatus, the third image comprising arepresentation of a two-dimensional image, wherein the first imagedisplay apparatus receives the second remote control signal from thesecond image display apparatus, the second image display apparatusreceives the first remote control signal from the first image displayapparatus, the first image display apparatus combines, based at least inpart on the first remote control signal and the second remote controlsignal, stored in a first working layer, a fourth image and the thirdimage, stored in a first image layer and supplied from the image outputapparatus, into the first image, and the second image display apparatuscombines, based at least in part on the second remote control signal andthe first remote control signal, stored in a second working layer, afifth image and the third image, stored in a second image layer andsupplied from the first image display apparatus, into the second image.15. The image display system according to claim 14, wherein the firstimage display apparatus, the first input apparatus, and the image outputapparatus are disposed in a first room, and the second image displayapparatus and the second input apparatus are disposed in a second room.16. A method for displaying an image of an image display systemincluding a first image display apparatus displaying a first image, asecond image display apparatus connected to the first image displayapparatus and displaying a second image, a first input apparatuswirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first imagedisplay apparatus, a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting asecond remote control signal to the second image display apparatus, andan image output apparatus connected to the first image display apparatusand outputting a third image to the first image display apparatus, thethird image comprising a representation of a two-dimensional image, themethod comprising the steps of: using the first image display apparatus,receiving the second remote control signal from the second image displayapparatus, the second image display apparatus receiving the first remotecontrol signal from the first image display apparatus, using the firstimage display apparatus, combining, based at least in part on the firstremote control signal and the second remote control signal, stored in afirst working layer, a fourth image and the third image, stored in afirst image layer and supplied from the image output apparatus, into thefirst image, and using the second image display apparatus, combining,based at least in part on the second remote control signal and the firstremote control signal, stored in a second working layer, a fifth imageand the third image, stored in a second image layer and supplied fromthe first image display apparatus, into the second image, wherein thethird image is output to the first image display apparatus in responseto transmission of the first remote control signal to the first imagedisplay apparatus.
 17. An image display system comprising: a first imagedisplay apparatus configured to display a first image; a first inputapparatus configured to wirelessly transmit a first remote controlsignal to the first image display apparatus; a second image displayapparatus configured to display a second image; a second input apparatusconfigured to wirelessly transmit a second remote control signal to thesecond image display apparatus; and an image combination apparatusconnected to the first image display apparatus and the second imagedisplay apparatus, wherein the image combination apparatus combines,based at least in part on the first remote control signal and the secondremote control signal, stored in a first layer, a third image and afourth image, output from the first image display apparatus and storedin the second layer, into a combined image, the fourth image comprisinga representation of a two-dimensional image, and outputs the combinedimage to the first image display apparatus as the first image, andoutputs the combined image to the second image display apparatus as thesecond image, and wherein the third image is output from the first imagedisplay apparatus in response to transmission of the first remotecontrol signal to the first image display apparatus.
 18. A method fordisplaying an image of an image display system including a first imagedisplay apparatus displaying a first image, a first input apparatuswirelessly transmitting a first remote control signal to the first imagedisplay apparatus, a second image display apparatus displaying a secondimage, a second input apparatus wirelessly transmitting a second remotecontrol signal to the second image display apparatus, and an imagecombination apparatus connected to the first image display apparatus andthe second image display apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:using the image combination apparatus: combining based at least in parton the first remote control signal, and the second remote controlsignal, stored in a first layer, a third image and a fourth image,output from the first image display apparatus and stored in the secondlayer, into a combined image, the fourth image comprising arepresentation of a two-dimensional image; outputting the combined imageto the first image display apparatus as the first image; and outputtingthe combined image to the second image display apparatus as the secondimage, wherein the third image is output from the first image displayapparatus in response to transmission of the first remote control signalto the first image display apparatus.